The victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against JapaneseAggression is the first complete victory won by China in its resistance againstforeign aggression in modern times. This great triumph crushed the plot of theJapanese militarists to colonize and enslave China and put an end to China'snational humiliation of suffering successive defeats at the hands of foreignaggressors in modern times. This great triumph re-established China as a majorcountry in the world and won the Chinese people respect of all peace-lovingpeople around the world. This great triumph opened up bright prospects for thegreat renewal of the Chinese nation and set our ancient country on a newjourney after gaining rebirth. During the war, with huge national sacrifice, the Chinese people heldground in the main theater in the East of the World Anti-Fascist War, thus makingmajor contribution to its victory. In their war against Japanese aggression,the Chinese people received extensive support from the international community.The Chinese people will always remember what the people of other countries didfor the victory of their War of Resistance. Ladies and gentlemen, Comrades and friends, The experience of war makes people value peace all the more. The aim ofour commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the victory of the ChinesePeople's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the WorldAnti-Fascist War is to bear history in mind, honor all those who laid downtheir lives, cherish peace and open up the future. Ravaging through Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania, that war inflictedover 100 million military and civilian casualties. China suffered over 35million casualties and the Soviet Union lost more than 27 million lives. Thebest way to honor the heroes who gave their lives to uphold freedom, justiceand peace and mourn the loss of innocent lives brutally taken during the war isto make sure that this historical tragedy will never repeat itself. War is like a mirror. Looking at it helps us better appreciate the valueof peace. Today, peace and development have become the prevailing trend, butthe world is far from tranquil. War is the sword of Damocles that still hangsover mankind. We must learn the lessons of history and dedicate ourselves topeace. In the interest of peace, we need to foster a keen sense of a globalcommunity of shared future. Prejudice, discrimination, hatred and war can onlycause disaster and suffering, while mutual respect, equality, peacefuldevelopment and common prosperity represent the right path to take. Allcountries should jointly uphold the international order and system underpinnedby the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, build a new type ofinternational relations featuring win-win cooperation and advance the noblecause of global peace and development. In the interest of peace, China will remain committed to peaceful development.We Chinese love peace. No matter how much stronger it may become, China willnever seek hegemony or expansion. It will never inflict its past suffering onany other nation. The Chinese people are resolved to pursue friendly relationswith all other countries, uphold the outcomes of the Chinese People's War ofResistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and makegreater contribution to mankind. The People's Liberation Army of China is the people's army. All itsofficers, men and women must bear in mind their responsibility of serving thepeople whole-heartedly, faithfully fulfill the sacred duty of protecting thenation's security and people's well-being, and carry out the noble mission ofupholding world peace. Here, I announce that China will cut the number of itstroops by 300,000. Ladies and gentlemen, Comrades and friends, As an ancient Chinese saying goes, "After making a good start, weshould ensure that the cause achieves fruition." The great renewal of theChinese nation requires the dedicated efforts of one generation after another.Having created a splendid civilization of over 5,000 years, the Chinese nationwill certainly usher in an even brighter future. Going forward, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, we,people of all ethnicities across the country, should take Marxism-Leninism, MaoZedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of Three Representsand the Scientific Outlook on Development as our guide to action. We should followthe path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, pursue the four-prongedcomprehensive strategy, promote patriotism and the great spirit of resistingaggression and forge ahead as one to reach our goals. Let us bear in mind the great truth of history: Justice will prevail!Peace will prevail! The people will prevail! |
